`Mg^(2+)O^(2-)` is formed since : [IE = Ionization energy, EA = Electron affinity]

Options

A. IE of Mg is low
B. EA of O is low
C. IE of Mg is high
D. IE of O is low

Explanation

To determine why the compound \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \text{O}^{2-} \) is formed, we need to analyze the ionization energy (IE) of magnesium and the electron affinity (EA) of oxygen. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the reasoning:

### Step 1: Understanding Ionization Energy (IE)
- **Definition**: Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in the gas phase.
- **For Magnesium**: To form \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \), magnesium must lose two electrons. Therefore, the ionization energy must be considered for both electrons being removed.

### Step 2: Understanding Electron Affinity (EA)
- **Definition**: Electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gas phase.
- **For Oxygen**: To form \( \text{O}^{2-} \), oxygen must gain two electrons. The electron affinity must be favorable (i.e., a high negative value) for the reaction to proceed.

### Step 3: Evaluating the Conditions for Formation
- The formation of \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \) and \( \text{O}^{2-} \) is energetically favorable if the energy required to ionize magnesium (IE) is low and the energy released when oxygen gains electrons (EA) is high (or low in terms of energy required).

### Step 4: Analyzing the Options
1. **IE of Mg is low**: This is favorable because it means less energy is required to remove electrons from magnesium.
2. **EA of oxygen is low**: This is unfavorable because we want a high (negative) electron affinity for oxygen to easily gain electrons.
3. **IE of Mg is high**: This is unfavorable because it means more energy is needed to remove electrons from magnesium.
4. **IE of oxygen is low**: This is irrelevant for the formation of \( \text{O}^{2-} \) since we are focusing on the electron affinity of oxygen, not ionization energy.

### Conclusion
For the compound \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \text{O}^{2-} \) to form, the correct statements are that the ionization energy of magnesium is low and the electron affinity of oxygen is high. Therefore, the correct options are:
- **IE of Mg is low**
- **EA of oxygen is high**

### Final Answer
The compound \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \text{O}^{2-} \) is formed since:
- **IE of Mg is low** (favorable)
- **EA of oxygen is high** (favorable)